Legal Specialist I - III (Depending on Qualifications) - INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY thru 1/22/26

San Juan County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

San Juan County is excited to invite candidates to apply for our Legal Specialist position. The first screening of resumes will be on February 16th, 2026. To be considered with this first group of candidates, we encourage you to submit your application on or before this date. Depending on experience, the chosen candidate will be brought on at a Level I ($27.34 - $35.85 per hour), Level II ($31.25 - $40.97 per hour) or Level III ($33.39 - $43.80 per hour). 

Performs varied and complex support for the Office of the County Clerk and Clerk of Superior Court functions and works independently in a high pressure, stressful work environment making work decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, court policies and procedures. This position performs under the direction of the County Clerk. Legal Specialist I performs all duties under supervision and oversight; Legal Specialist II with minimal supervision; and Legal Specialist III independently with no supervision or oversight.

1. Office Duties: Responds to and answers inquiries by phone, correspondence and in person from litigants, attorneys, judges and the general public; provides assistance without dispensing legal advice regarding court procedures and processes. Assists customers with proper usage of the case management system on the public computer at the counter: database searches, case docket history, and other public information. Refers questions outside of knowledge to other clerks. 
2. Courtroom Duties: With minimal supervision accurately generates and preserves minutes of courtroom proceedings, as well as recording proceedings. Writes synopses of counsel’s oral motions, arguments, rebuttals and the court’s oral ruling in all judicial proceedings. 
3. Prepares for court proceedings by reviewing files, ascertaining issues to be argued or heard by the trier of facts, whether by jury or bench. With supervision coordinates, prepares and distributes complex court calendars for all criminal, civil, domestic, probate, adoption, paternity, juvenile offender, and juvenile dependency, proceedings including pro se motions. Ensures that documents (filings, including updating and scanning of documents) are current at the time of proceedings. 
4. Performs over the counter and mail transactions involving receipt of court fines, filing fees, criminal/juvenile restitution, bond/tendered moneys, certification costs and enters same into the Court’s Case Management system.
5. May Serve as an agent for Passport Services under the U.S. Department of State. Processes applications, responds to telephone inquiries maintains current knowledge of the policies and regulations as set forth by U.S. Passport Services under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of State.
6. Reviews, prepares as necessary, and files all legal documents presented in simple civil cases under the jurisdiction of the court. Enters all filed legal documents into the Court’s Case Management system; prepares and maintains an accurate, complete and timely court record for all documents handled. Endeavors to develop knowledge of the laws and procedures related to record keeping. Elevates issues outside of knowledge to the Chief Deputy or Clerk.
7. Assist and advocate for persons seeking Orders of Protection for unlawful harassment or under the Domestic Violence Statutes, provides guidance, assistance and direction to facilitate the successful issuance of the appropriate orders. Affords victims information as to other interfacing agencies and the assistance they provide. Maintains a professional demeanor in stressful, volatile and/or potentially violent circumstances; maintains an effective, competent manner during sexually and /or violently explicit accounts or testimony.
8. Provide assistance and direction to the public who are acting as pro se litigants in various types of litigation. Ensures that all pro se individuals can access proper forms and legal reference materials. Responds and answers simple requests for information regarding the legal system without dispensing legal advice.
9. Interfaces and maintains positive working relationships with elected officials, department heads, Law and Justice team, a variety of public agencies, members of the bar and the public in order to assure that the functions of the Superior Court Clerk’s Office are performed in a manner consistent with the Revised Code of Washington and sound public relations techniques.
10. Uses document management software program to assist with scanning, uploading, re-filing, e-mailing and numbering/stamping of court documents.
11. Research records to find requested information, including case history and documentation searches for FBI firearms resolution requests.
12. Uses time management, self-direction, resources and tools to complete multiple tasks with extreme accuracy while establishing priorities and adapting to changes to meet deadlines.

Legal Specialist II:
All duties above with minimal supervision and the following:

1. Retains custodial responsibility for all evidence presented as exhibits at the time of trial properly stores such evidence as required by statute
2. Prepares and maintains an accurate, complete and timely court record for all documents, such as judgment execution dockets for monetary and real property judgments. Reads, interprets and processes legal documents including simple judgments, tax warrants, orders, bench warrants, received for processing; including Foreign Judgments and Abstracts of Judgments for filing in this court’s jurisdiction or other counties/states/countries. Working toward developing competent knowledge of the laws and procedures related to record keeping and appropriate issuance of writs, orders, and transcripts of Judgment. Elevates issues outside of knowledge to Chief Deputy as needed.
3. Responds and answers moderately complex request for information regarding the legal system without dispensing legal advice and refers more complex requests to the Chief Deputy Clerk or Clerk

Legal Specialist III
All duties above with no supervision and the following:

1. Reviews, prepares as necessary, and files all legal documents presented in all civil cases, probate matters, dissolution proceedings, dependency matters, mental health proceedings and adoptions under the jurisdiction of the court.
2. Responds and answers complex requests for information regarding the legal system without dispensing legal advice
3. Applies good knowledge of the laws and procedures related to record keeping and appropriate issuance of writs, orders, appeals and transcripts of Judgment. Elevates issues to Chief Deputy and Clerk as needed.
4. May plan, direct and document the collection of court-ordered financial obligations, monitor compliance with court orders for payment of monetary obligations, investigate and recommend to Prosecuting Attorney and/or Superior Court Judge level of ability of adult offenders to pay.
5. May track offender financial compliance and prepare detailed analysis on collection amounts on monthly, quarterly and annual basis. Enter data regarding collection efforts into case management system.
6. Acting within the scope of their responsibilities, work as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.
7. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Legal Specialist I

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of clerical or court-related experience, or any combination of education and experience that demonstrates ability to perform essential functions.
• General office experience performing a variety of duties requiring independent judgment and knowledge of office policies and procedures.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and keyboarding.
• Willingness to develop verbal and written communication skills and adapt to new tasks.

Legal Specialist II

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of clerical or court-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience performing moderately complex office duties requiring independent judgment and extensive knowledge of office policies and procedures.
• Strong computer skills, including data entry and keyboarding.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing priorities.

Legal Specialist III

• High school diploma or equivalent and five years of clerical or court-related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience performing complex office duties requiring independent judgment and thorough knowledge of office policies, procedures, and responsibilities.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, bondable, pass a criminal background check, qualify for a notary public license, and hold a valid WA State Driver’s License.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS: Requires sitting for extended periods of time, standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, climbing step ladders, twisting and lifting up to 25 pounds. This position requires finger dexterity, a sense of touch, gripping with fingers and hands; the ability to see, hear voice conversations and speak and understand legal terminology. Must be able to perform complex mathematical problems. Requires

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Work is performed in both an office environment and in a courtroom. May require protective clothing or coverings due to contact with contagious individuals and/or hazardous materials.